Secondary battery, battery pack, electric vehicle, electric power storage system, electric power tool, and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

A secondary battery includes: a cathode; an anode; and a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1), 
                         
where X is a divalent group in which m number of &gt;C═CR1-R1 and n number of &gt;CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2011-280185 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Dec. 21, 2011, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to a secondary battery that includes a gel electrolyte, to a battery pack, an electric vehicle, an electric power storage system, an electric power tool, and an electronic apparatus that use the secondary battery.

In recent years, various electronic apparatuses such as a mobile phone and a personal digital assistant (PDA) have been widely used, and it has been strongly demanded to further reduce the size and the weight of the electronic apparatuses and to achieve their long life. Accordingly, as an electric power source for the electronic apparatuses, a battery, in particular, a small and light-weight secondary battery capable of providing high energy density has been developed. In these days, it has been considered to apply such a secondary battery to various other applications represented by a battery pack attachably and detachably mounted on the electronic apparatuses or the like, an electric vehicle such as an electric automobile, an electric power storage system such as a home electric power server, or an electric power tool such as an electric drill.

As the secondary battery, secondary batteries that obtain a battery capacity by utilizing various charge and discharge principles have been proposed. Specially, a secondary battery utilizing insertion and extraction of an electrode reactant is considered promising, since such a secondary battery provides higher energy density than lead batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, and the like.

The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution contains a solvent and an electrolyte salt. The electrolytic solution functioning as a medium for a charge and discharge reaction largely affects performance of the secondary battery. Therefore, various studies have been made on the composition of the electrolytic solution. Specifically, to suppress battery degradation at the time of high-voltage charging, explosion hazard due to pressure increase inside a battery, and/or the like, a cyclic ester carbonate having one or more carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds is used as an additive of an electrolytic solution (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006-114388, 2001-135351, H11-191319, 2000-058122, and 2008-010414; and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. 2004-523073). This kind of cyclic ester carbonate is used not only for a battery system using an electrolytic solution (liquid battery), but also for a battery system not using an electrolytic solution (solid battery) (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-017121).

SUMMARY

In recent years, high performance and multi-functions of the electronic apparatuses and the like to which the secondary battery is applied are increasingly developed. Therefore, further improvement of the battery characteristics has been desired.

It is desirable to provide a secondary battery capable of providing superior battery characteristics, a battery pack, an electric vehicle, an electric power storage system, an electric power tool, and an electronic apparatus.

According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a secondary battery including: a cathode; an anode; and a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a battery pack including: a secondary battery; a control section controlling a used state of the secondary battery; and a switch section switching the used state of the secondary battery according to an instruction of the control section. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an electric vehicle including: a secondary battery; a conversion section converting electric power supplied from the secondary battery into drive power; a drive section operating according to the drive power; and a control section controlling a used state of the secondary battery. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an electric power storage system including: a secondary battery; one or more electric devices supplied with electric power from the secondary battery; and a control section controlling the supplying of the electric power from the secondary battery to the one or more electric devices. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an electric power tool including: a secondary battery; and a movable section being supplied with electric power from the secondary battery. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte. The gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

According to an embodiment of the present application, there is provided an electronic apparatus including a secondary battery as an electric power supply source. The secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte, the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

According to the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application, since the secondary battery includes the gel electrolyte containing the electrolytic solution and the polymer compound, and the electrolytic solution contains the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate, superior battery characteristics are obtainable. Further, according to the battery pack, the electric vehicle, the electric power storage system, the electric power tool, and the electronic apparatus according to the embodiments of the present application, similar effects are obtainable.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the technology as claimed.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the technology.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II of a spirally wound electrode body illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an application example (battery pack) of the secondary battery.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an application example (electric vehicle) of the secondary battery.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an application example (electric power storage system) of the secondary battery.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an application example (electric power tool) of the secondary battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of the present application will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the drawings. The description will be given in the following order.

1. Secondary Battery

2. Applications of Secondary Battery

2-1. Battery Pack

2-2. Electric Vehicle

2-3. Electric Power Storage System

2-4. Electric Power Tool

[1. Secondary Battery]

First, a description will be given of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective configuration of a secondary battery. FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged cross-section taken along a line II-II of a spirally wound electrode body 30 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[Whole Configuration of Secondary Battery]

The secondary battery herein described is a lithium ion secondary battery in which the capacity of an anode 34 is obtained by insertion and extraction of Li (lithium ions) as an electrode reactant.

The secondary battery is what we call a laminated film type lithium ion secondary battery. In the secondary battery, the spirally wound electrode body 30 is contained in a film-like outer package member 40. In the spirally wound electrode body 30, a cathode 33 and the anode 34 are layered with a separator 35 and an electrolyte layer 36 in between and are spirally wound. A cathode lead 31 is attached to the cathode 33, and an anode lead 32 is attached to the anode 34. The outermost periphery of the spirally wound electrode body 30 is protected by a protective tape 37.

The cathode lead 31 and the anode lead 32 are, for example, led out from inside to outside of the outer package member 40 in the same direction. The cathode lead 31 is made of, for example, a conductive material such as Al, and the anode lead 32 is made of, for example, a conducive material such as Cu, Ni, and stainless steel. These conductive materials are in the shape of, for example, a thin plate or mesh.

The outer package member 40 is a laminated film in which, for example, a fusion bonding layer, a metal layer, and a surface protective layer are laminated in this order. In the laminated film, for example, the respective outer edges of the fusion bonding layers of two films are bonded to each other by fusion bonding, an adhesive, or the like so that the fusion bonding layers and the spirally wound electrode body 30 are opposed to each other. Examples of the fusion bonding layer include a film made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. Examples of the metal layer include an Al foil. Examples of the surface protective layer include a film made of nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like.

Specially, as the outer package member 40, an aluminum laminated film in which a polyethylene film, an Al foil, and a nylon film are laminated in this order is preferable. However, the outer package member 40 may be made of a laminated film having other laminated structure, a polymer film such as polypropylene, or a metal film.

An adhesive film 41 to protect from outside air intrusion is inserted between the outer package member 40, and the cathode lead 31 and the anode lead 32. The adhesive film 41 is made of a material having adhesion characteristics with respect to the cathode lead 31 and the anode lead 32. Examples of such an adhesive material include a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, modified polyethylene, and modified polypropylene.

[Cathode]

The cathode 33 has, for example, a cathode active material layer 33B on a single surface or both surfaces of a cathode current collector 33A. The cathode current collector 33A may be made of, for example, a conductive material such as Al, Ni, and stainless steel.

The cathode active material layer 33B contains, as cathode active materials, one or more of cathode materials capable of inserting and extracting lithium ions. As necessary, the cathode active material layer 33B may contain other materials such as a cathode binder and a cathode electric conductor.

The cathode material is preferably a lithium-containing compound, since thereby high energy density is obtained. Examples of the lithium-containing compound include a lithium transition metal composite oxide and a lithium transition metal phosphate compound. The lithium transition metal composite oxide is an oxide containing Li and one or more transition metal elements as constituent elements. The lithium transition metal phosphate compound is a compound containing Li and one or more transition metal elements as constituent elements. Specially, it is preferable that the transition metal element be one or more of Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, and the like, since thereby a higher voltage is obtained. The chemical formula thereof is expressed by, for example, Li_(x)M1O₂ or Li_(y)M2PO₄. In the formula, M1 and M2 represent one or more transition metal elements. Values of x and y vary according to the charge and discharge state, and are generally in the range of 0.05≦x≦1.10 and 0.05≦y≦1.10.

Examples of the lithium transition metal composite oxide include LiCoO₂, LiNiO₂, and a lithium-nickel-based composite oxide represented by the following Formula (20). Examples of the lithium transition metal phosphate compound include LiFePO₄ and LiFe_(1-u)Mn_(u)PO₄ (u<1), since thereby a high battery capacity is obtained and superior cycle characteristics are obtained. However, a lithium transition metal composite oxide and a lithium transition metal phosphate compound other than the foregoing compounds may be used. LiNi_(1-z)M_(z)O₂  (20)

In Formula (20), M is one or more of Co, Mn, Fe, Al, V, Sn, Mg, Ti, Sr, Ca, Zr, Mo, Tc, Ru, Ta, W, Re, Yb, Cu, Zn, Ba, B, Cr, Si, Ga, P, Sb, and Nb. z is in the range of 0.005<z<0.5.

In addition thereto, the cathode material may be, for example, an oxide, a disulfide, a chalcogenide, a conductive polymer, or the like. Examples of the oxide include titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, and manganese dioxide. Examples of the disulfide include titanium disulfide and molybdenum sulfide. Examples of the chalcogenide include niobium selenide. Examples of the conductive polymer include sulfur, polyaniline, and polythiophene. However, the cathode material may be a material other than the foregoing materials as long as the material is allowed to insert and extract lithium ions.

Examples of the cathode binder include one or more of synthetic rubbers, polymer materials, and the like. Examples of the synthetic rubber include a styrene-butadiene-based rubber, a fluorine-based rubber, and ethylene propylene diene. Examples of the polymer material include polyvinylidene fluoride and polyimide.

Examples of the cathode electric conductor include one or more of carbon materials and the like. Examples of the carbon materials include graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, and Ketjen black. The cathode electric conductor may be a metal material, a conductive polymer, or the like as long as the material has electric conductivity.

[Anode]

The anode 34 has, for example, an anode active material layer 34B on a single surface or both surfaces of an anode current collector 34A.

The anode current collector 34A may be made of, for example, a conductive material such as Cu, Ni, and stainless steel. The surface of the anode current collector 34A is preferably roughened. Thereby, due to what we call an anchor effect, adhesion characteristics of the anode active material layer 34B with respect to the anode current collector 34A are improved. In this case, it is enough that the surface of the anode current collector 34A in the region opposed to the anode active material layer 34B is roughened at minimum. Examples of roughening methods include a method of forming fine particles by electrolytic treatment. The electrolytic treatment is a method of providing concavity and convexity by forming fine particles on the surface of the anode current collector 34A by an electrolytic method in an electrolytic bath. A copper foil formed by an electrolytic method is generally called “electrolytic copper foil.”

The anode active material layer 34B contains one or more of anode materials capable of inserting and extracting lithium ions as anode active materials, and may also contain other materials such as an anode binder and an anode electric conductor as necessary. Details of the anode binder and the anode electric conductor are, for example, similar to those of the cathode binder and the cathode electric conductor, respectively. The chargeable capacity of the anode material is preferably larger than the discharge capacity of the cathode 33 in order to prevent unintentional precipitation of lithium metal at the time of charge and discharge.

Examples of the anode material include a carbon material. In the carbon material, its crystal structure change at the time of insertion and extraction of lithium ions is extremely small. Therefore, the carbon material provides high energy density and superior cycle characteristics. Further, the carbon material functions as an anode electric conductor as well. Examples of the carbon material include graphitizable carbon, non-graphitizable carbon in which the spacing of (002) plane is equal to or greater than 0.37 nm, and graphite in which the spacing of (002) plane is equal to or smaller than 0.34 nm. More specifically, examples of the carbon material include pyrolytic carbons, cokes, glassy carbon fiber, an organic polymer compound fired body, activated carbon, and carbon blacks. Of the foregoing, examples of the cokes include pitch coke, needle coke, and petroleum coke. The organic polymer compound fired body is obtained by firing (carbonizing) a polymer compound such as a phenol resin and a furan resin at appropriate temperature. In addition thereto, the carbon material may be low crystalline carbon or amorphous carbon heat-treated at temperature of about 1000° C. or less. It is to be noted that the shape of the carbon material may be any of a fibrous shape, a spherical shape, a granular shape, and a scale-like shape.

Further, the anode material may be, for example, a material (metal-based material) containing one or more of metal elements and metalloid elements as constituent elements, since high energy density is thereby obtained. Such a metal-based material may be a simple substance, an alloy, or a compound, may be two or more thereof, or may have one or more phases thereof in part or all thereof “Alloy” includes a material containing one or more metal elements and one or more metalloid elements, in addition to a material configured of two or more metal elements. Further, the “alloy” may contain a nonmetallic element. Examples of the structure thereof include a solid solution, a eutectic crystal (eutectic mixture), an intermetallic compound, and a structure in which two or more thereof coexist.

The foregoing metal element and the foregoing metalloid element may be, for example, one or more of metal elements and metalloid elements capable of forming an alloy with Li. Specific examples thereof include Mg, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Bi, Cd, Ag, Zn, Hf, Zr, Y, Pd, and Pt. Specially, Si or Sn or both are preferably used. Si and Sn have a high ability of inserting and extracting lithium ions, and therefore provide high energy density.

A material containing Si, Sn, or both may be a simple substance, an alloy, or a compound of Si or Sn; two or more thereof; or a material having one or more phases thereof in part or all thereof. The simple substance merely refers to a general simple substance (a small amount of impurity may be therein contained), and does not necessarily refer to a purity 100% simple substance.

Examples of the alloys of Si include a material containing one or more of elements such as Sn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Zn, In, Ag, Ti, Ge, Bi, Sb, and Cr as constituent elements other than Si. Examples of the compounds of Si include a material containing one or more of C, O, and the like as constituent elements other than Si. For example, the compounds of Si may contain one or more of the elements described for the alloys of Si as constituent elements other than Si.

Examples of the alloys and the compounds of Si include SiB₄, SiB₆, Mg₂Si, Ni₂Si, TiSi₂, MoSi₂, CoSi₂, NiSi₂, CaSi₂, CrSi₂, Cu₅Si, FeSi₂, MnSi₂, NbSi₂, TaSi₂, VSi₂, WSi₂, ZnSi₂, SiC, Si₃N₄, Si₂N₂O, SiO_(v) (0<v≦2), and LiSiO. v in SiO_(v) may be in the range of 0.2<v<1.4.

Examples of the alloys of Sn include a material containing one or more of elements such as Si, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn, Zn, In, Ag, Ti, Ge, Bi, Sb, and Cr as constituent elements other than Sn. Examples of the compounds of Sn include a material containing one or more of C, O, and the like as constituent elements. The compounds of Sn may contain, for example, one or more of the elements described for the alloys of Sn as constituent elements other than Sn. Examples of the alloys and the compounds of Sn include SnO_(w) (0<w≦2), SnSiO₃, LiSnO, and Mg₂Sn.

Further, as a material containing Sn, for example, a material containing a second constituent element and a third constituent element in addition to Sn as a first constituent element is preferable. Examples of the second constituent element include one or more of elements such as Co, Fe, Mg, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ag, In, Ce, Hf, Ta, W, Bi, and Si. Examples of the third constituent element include one or more of B, C, Al, P, and the like. In the case where the second constituent element and the third constituent element are contained, a high battery capacity, superior cycle characteristics, and the like are obtained.

Specially, a material containing Sn, Co, and C as constituent elements (SnCoC-containing material) is preferable. The composition of the SnCoC-containing material is, for example, as follows. That is, the C content is from 9.9 mass % to 29.7 mass % both inclusive, and the ratio of Sn and Co contents (Co/(Sn+Co)) is from 20 mass % to 70 mass % both inclusive, since high energy density is obtained in such a composition range.

It is preferable that the SnCoC-containing material have a phase containing Sn, Co, and C. Such a phase is preferably low-crystalline or amorphous. The phase is a reaction phase capable of reacting with Li. Due to existence of the reaction phase, superior characteristics are obtained. The half bandwidth of the diffraction peak obtained by X-ray diffraction of the phase is preferably equal to or greater than 1° based on diffraction angle of 2θ in the case where CuKα ray is used as a specific X ray, and the insertion rate is 1°/min. Thereby, lithium ions are more smoothly inserted and extracted, and reactivity with the electrolytic solution is decreased. It is to be noted that, in some cases, the SnCoC-containing material includes a phase containing a simple substance or part of the respective constituent elements in addition to the low-crystalline phase or the amorphous phase.

Whether or not the diffraction peak obtained by the X-ray diffraction corresponds to the reaction phase capable of reacting with Li is allowed to be easily determined by comparison between X-ray diffraction charts before and after electrochemical reaction with Li. For example, if the position of the diffraction peak after electrochemical reaction with Li is changed from the position of the diffraction peak before the electrochemical reaction with Li, the obtained diffraction peak corresponds to the reaction phase capable of reacting with Li. In this case, for example, the diffraction peak of the low crystalline reaction phase or the amorphous reaction phase is seen in the range of 2θ=from 20° to 50° both inclusive. Such a reaction phase has, for example, the foregoing respective constituent elements, and the low crystalline or amorphous structure thereof possibly results from existence of C mainly.

In the SnCoC-containing material, part or all of carbon as a constituent element are preferably bonded to a metal element or a metalloid element as other constituent element, since thereby cohesion or crystallization of Sn and/or the like is suppressed. The bonding state of elements is allowed to be checked by, for example, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In a commercially-available device, for example, as a soft X ray, Al-Kα ray, Mg-Kα ray, or the like is used. In the case where part or all of C are bonded to a metal element, a metalloid element, or the like, the peak of a synthetic wave of 1s orbit of carbon (C1s) is shown in a region lower than 284.5 eV. In the device, energy calibration is made so that the peak of 4f orbit of Au atom (Au4f) is obtained in 84.0 eV. At this time, in general, since surface contamination carbon exists on the material surface, the peak of C1s of the surface contamination carbon is regarded as 284.8 eV, which is used as the energy standard. In XPS measurement, the waveform of the peak of C1s is obtained as a form including the peak of the surface contamination carbon and the peak of carbon in the SnCoC-containing material. Therefore, for example, analysis is made by using commercially-available software to isolate both peaks from each other. In the waveform analysis, the position of the main peak existing on the lowest bound energy side is the energy standard (284.8 eV).

It is to be noted that the SnCoC-containing material is not limited to the material configured of only Sn, Co, and C (SnCoC). That is, the SnCoC-containing material may further contain, for example, one or more of Si, Fe, Ni, Cr, In, Nb, Ge, Ti, Mo, Al, P, Ga, Bi, and the like as constituent elements as necessary.

In addition to the SnCoC-containing material, a material containing Sn, Co, Fe, and C as constituent elements (SnCoFeC-containing material) is also preferable. The composition of the SnCoFeC-containing material may be set as any composition. For example, the composition in which the Fe content is set small is as follows. That is, the C content is from 9.9 mass % to 29.7 mass % both inclusive, the Fe content is from 0.3 mass % to 5.9 mass % both inclusive, and the ratio of contents of Sn and Co (Co/(Sn+Co)) is from 30 mass % to 70 mass % both inclusive. Further, for example, the composition in which the Fe content is set large is as follows. That is, the C content is from 11.9 mass % to 29.7 mass % both inclusive, the ratio of contents of Sn, Co, and Fe ((Co+Fe)/(Sn+Co+Fe)) is from 26.4 mass % to 48.5 mass % both inclusive, and the ratio of contents of Co and Fe (Co/(Co+Fe)) is from 9.9 mass % to 79.5 mass % both inclusive. In such a composition range, high energy density is obtained. The physical properties (such as half bandwidth) of the SnCoFeC-containing material are similar to those of the foregoing SnCoC-containing material.

In addition thereto, the anode material may be, for example, a metal oxide, a polymer compound, or the like. Examples of the metal oxide include iron oxide, ruthenium oxide, and molybdenum oxide. Examples of the polymer compound include polyacetylene, polyaniline, and polypyrrole.

The anode active material layer 34B is formed by, for example, a coating method, a vapor-phase deposition method, a liquid-phase deposition method, a spraying method, a firing method (sintering method), or a combination of two or more of these methods. The coating method is a method in which, for example, after a particulate (powder) anode active material is mixed with an anode binder and/or the like, the mixture is dispersed in a solvent such as an organic solvent, and the anode current collector is coated with the resultant. Examples of the vapor-phase deposition method include a physical deposition method and a chemical deposition method. Specifically, examples thereof include a vacuum evaporation method, a sputtering method, an ion plating method, a laser ablation method, a thermal chemical vapor deposition method, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, and a plasma chemical vapor deposition method. Examples of the liquid-phase deposition method include an electrolytic plating method and an electroless plating method. The spraying method is a method in which an anode active material in a fused state or a semi-fused state is sprayed. The firing method is, for example, a method in which after the anode current collector is coated by a coating method, heat treatment is performed at temperature higher than the melting point of the anode binder and/or the like. Examples of the firing method include a publicly-known technique such as an atmosphere firing method, a reactive firing method, and a hot press firing method.

In the secondary battery, as described above, in order to prevent lithium metal from being unintentionally precipitated on the anode 34 in the middle of charge, the electrochemical equivalent of the anode material capable of inserting and extracting lithium ions is larger than the electrochemical equivalent of the cathode. Further, in the case where the open circuit voltage (that is, a battery voltage) at the time of completely-charged state is equal to or greater than 4.25 V, the extraction amount of lithium ions per unit mass is larger than that in the case where the open circuit voltage is 4.20 V even if the same cathode active material is used. Therefore, amounts of the cathode active material and the anode active material are adjusted accordingly. Thereby, high energy density is obtainable.

[Separator]

The separator 35 separates the cathode 33 from the anode 34, and passes lithium ions while preventing current short circuit resulting from contact of both electrodes. The separator 35 is, for example, a porous film made of a synthetic resin, ceramics, or the like. The separator 35 may be a laminated film in which two or more types of porous films are laminated. Examples of the synthetic resin include polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene.

In particular, the separator 35 may include, for example, the foregoing porous film (base material layer) and a polymer compound layer provided on one surface or both surfaces of the base material layer. Thereby, adhesion characteristics of the separator 35 with respect to the cathode 33 and the anode 34 are improved, and therefore skewness of the spirally wound electrode body 30 as a spirally wound body is suppressed. Thereby, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is suppressed, and liquid leakage of the electrolytic solution with which the base material layer is impregnated is suppressed. Accordingly, even if charge and discharge are repeated, the resistance of the secondary battery is less likely to be increased, and battery swollenness is suppressed.

The polymer compound layer contains, for example, a polymer material such as polyvinylidene fluoride, since such a polymer material has a superior physical strength and is electrochemically stable. However, the polymer material may be a material other than polyvinylidene fluoride. The polymer compound layer is formed as follows, for example. That is, after a solution in which the polymer material is dissolved is prepared, the surface of the base material layer is coated with the solution, and the resultant is subsequently dried. Alternatively, the base material layer may be soaked in the solution and may be subsequently dried.

[Electrolyte Layer]

The electrolyte layer 36 contains an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. That is, in the electrolyte layer 36, the electrolytic solution is held by the polymer compound. The electrolyte layer 36 is what we call a gel electrolyte, since thereby high ion conductivity (for example, 1 mS/cm or more at room temperature) is obtained and liquid leakage of the electrolytic solution is prevented. The electrolyte layer 36 may contain other materials such as an additive as necessary.

Examples of the polymer compound include one or more of polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyhexafluoropropylene, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polyphosphazene, polysiloxane, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polymethacrylic acid methyl, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoro propylene. Specially, polyvinylidene fluoride or the copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoro propylene is preferable, and polyvinylidene fluoride is more preferable, since such a polymer compound is electrochemically stable.

[Electrolytic Solution]

The electrolytic solution contains one or more of unsaturated cyclic ester carbonates represented by the following Formula (1). However, the electrolytic solution may contain other materials such as a solvent and an electrolyte salt.

In Formula (1), X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order. Each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group. Any two or more of R1 to R4 may be bonded to one another. m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0.

The unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate refers to a cyclic ester carbonate having one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (>C═C<). The electrolytic solution contains the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate. One reason for this is that, in this case, even if the electrolyte as a medium for a charge and discharge reaction is gelatinous, the chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is spectacularly improved. Thereby, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is significantly suppressed, and therefore battery characteristics such as cycle characteristics and conservation characteristics are improved.

More specifically, in the case where a liquid electrolyte (electrolytic solution) is used, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution rarely matters at the time of charge and discharge. Therefore, battery characteristics are rarely affected by presence of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the electrolytic solution.

Meanwhile, in the case where the gel electrolyte (electrolyte layer 36) is used, at the time of charge and discharge, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is significant. Therefore, battery characteristics largely vary according to presence of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the electrolytic solution. In this case, if the electrolytic solution does not contain the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution easily proceeds, and accordingly battery characteristics are lowered. Such a tendency is significant particularly under strict conditions such as a high-temperature environment. However, if the electrolytic solution contains the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate, a rigid film resulting from the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is formed on the surface of the anode 34 at the time of charge and discharge, and therefore the anode 34 is protected from the electrolytic solution. Thereby, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is less likely to be promoted, and battery characteristics are easily retained.

X in Formula (1) is a group obtained by bonding m number of >C═CR1-R2 to n number of >CR3R4 so that the valency becomes divalent as a whole (one bonding hand exists on each of both ends). Adjacent groups (groups bonded to each other) may be the same type of group such as >C═CR1-R2 and >C═CR1-R2, or may be different from each other such as >C═CR1-R2 and >CR3R4. That is, the number (m) of >C═CR1-R2 used for forming the divalent group and the number (n) of >CR3R4 used for forming the divalent group may be any number, and the bonding order thereof may also be any order.

While >C═CR1-R2 is a divalent unsaturated group having the foregoing carbon-carbon double bond, >CR3R4 is a divalent saturated group not having a carbon-carbon double bond. Since n satisfies n≧0, >CR3R4 as a saturated group is not necessarily included in X. Meanwhile, since m satisfies m≧1, one or more >C═CR1-R2 as a saturated group are included in X typically. Therefore, X may be configured of only >C═CR1-R2, or may be configured of both >C═CR1-R2 and >CR3R4. One reason for this is that the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate should have one or more unsaturated groups in the chemical structure thereof.

Values of m and n are not particularly limited as long as the conditions of m≧1 and n≧0 are satisfied. Specially, in the case where >C═CR1-R2 is >C═CH₂ and >CR3R4 is >CH₂, (m+n)≦5 is preferably satisfied. One reason for this is that, in this case, the carbon number of X is not excessively large, and therefore the solubility and the compatibility of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate are secured.

It is to be noted that any two or more of R1 to R4 in >C═CR1-R2 and >CR3R4 may be bonded to one another, and the bonded groups may form a ring. As an example, R1 may be bonded to R2, R3 may be bonded to R4, and R2 may be bonded to R3 or R4.

Details of R1 to R4 are described below. R1 to R4 may be the same type of group, or may be groups of types different from each other. Any two or three of R1 to R4 may be the same type of group.

Each type of R1 to R4 is not particularly limited as long as each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group. One reason for this is that, since in this case, X has one or more carbon-carbon double bonds (>C═CR1-R2), the foregoing advantage is obtainable without depending on the types of R1 to R4.

The halogen group is, for example, one or more of a fluorine group (—F), a chlorine group (—Cl), a bromine group (—Br), an iodine group (—I), and the like. Specially, the fluorine group is preferable, since a film resulting from the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is thereby easily formed.

“Hydrocarbon group” is a generic term used to refer to groups configured of C and H, and may have a straight-chain structure or a branched structure having one or more side chains. Examples of the monovalent hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group with carbon number from 1 to 12 both inclusive, an alkenyl group with carbon number from 2 to 12 both inclusive, an alkynyl group with carbon number from 2 to 12 both inclusive, an aryl group with carbon number from 6 to 18 both inclusive, and a cycloalkyl group with carbon number from 3 to 18 both inclusive. One reason for this is that the foregoing advantage is thereby obtained while the solubility, the compatibility, and the like of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate are secured.

More specific examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group (—CH₃), an ethyl group (—C₂H₅), and a propyl group (—C₃H₇). Examples of the alkenyl group include a vinyl group (—CH═CH₂) and an allyl group (—CH₂—CH═CH₂). Examples of the alkynyl group include an ethynyl group (—C≡CH). Examples of the aryl group include a phenyl group and a naphtyl group. Examples of the cycloalkyl group include a cyclopropyl group, a cyclobutyl group, a cyclopentyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a cycloheptyl group, and a cyclooctyl group.

“Oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group” is a group configured of O together with C and H. Examples of the monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group include an alkoxy group with carbon number from 1 to 12 both inclusive. One reason for this is that the foregoing advantage is thereby obtained while the solubility, the compatibility, and the like of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate are secured. More specific examples of the alkoxy group include a methoxy group (—OCH₃) and an ethoxy group (—OC₂H₅).

It is to be noted that a group obtained by bonding two or more of the foregoing alkyl group and the like so that the whole valency becomes monovalent may be used. Examples thereof include a group obtained by bonding an alkyl group to an aryl group and a group obtained by bonding an alkyl group to a cycloalkyl group. More specific examples of the group obtained by bonding an alkyl group to an aryl group include a benzil group.

“Halogenated hydrocarbon group” is obtained by substituting (halogenating) each of part or all of hydrogen groups (—H) out of the foregoing hydrocarbon group by a halogen group. Types of the halogen group thereof are as described above. Similarly, “halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group” is obtained by substituting each of part or all of hydrogen groups out of the foregoing oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group by a halogen group. Types of the halogen group thereof are as described above.

Examples of the monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group include a group obtained by halogenating the foregoing alkyl group or the like, for example. That is, the monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group is a group obtained by substituting each of part or all of hydrogen groups of the foregoing alkyl group or the like by a halogen group. More specific examples of the group obtained by halogenating an alkyl group or the like include a trifluoromethyl group (—CF₃) and a pentafluoroethyl group (—C₂F₅). Further, examples of the monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group include a group obtained by substituting each of part or all of hydrogen groups of the foregoing alkoxy group or the like by a halogen group. More specific examples of the group obtained by halogenating an alkoxy group or the like include a trifluoromethoxy group (—OCF₃) and a pentafluoroethoxy group (—OC₂F₅).

It is to be noted that each of R1 to R4 may be a group other than the foregoing groups. Specifically, each of R1 to R4 may be, for example, a derivative of each of the foregoing groups. The derivative is obtained by introducing one or more substituent groups to each of the foregoing groups. Substituent group types may be arbitrary.

Specially, the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is preferably represented by the following Formula (2) or Formula (3). One reason for this is that, in this case, the foregoing advantage is obtained, and such compounds are easily synthesized.

In Formulas (2) and (3), each of R5 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group. R5 and R6 may be bonded to each other; and arbitrary two or more of R7 to R10 may be bonded to one another.

Focusing attention on a relation between Formula (1) and Formula (2), the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (2) has, as X in Formula (1), one unsaturated group (>C═CH₂) corresponding to >C═CR1-R2 and one saturated group (>CR5R6) corresponding to >CR3R4. Meanwhile, focusing attention on a relation between Formula (1) and Formula (3), the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (3) has, as X, one unsaturated group (>C═CH₂) corresponding to >C═CR1-R2 and two saturated groups (>CR7R8 and >CR9R10) corresponding to >CR3R4. However, the foregoing one unsaturated group and the foregoing two saturated groups are bonded in order of >CR7R8, >CR9R10, and >C═CH₂.

Details of R5 and R6 in Formula (2) and R7 to R10 in Formula (3) are similar to those of R1 to R4 in Formula (1), and therefore, descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Specific examples of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate include compounds represented by Formula (1-1) to Formula (1-56) described below. Such unsaturated cyclic ester carbonates include a geometric isomer. However, specific examples of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate are not limited to the compounds listed in Formula (1-1) to Formula (1-56).

Specially, Formula (1-1) etc. corresponding to Formula (2) or Formula (1-3) etc. corresponding to Formula (3) are preferable, since thereby a higher effect is obtainable.

Although the content of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the electrolytic solution is not particularly limited, specially, the content thereof is preferably from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % both inclusive, and more preferably from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % both inclusive since thereby a higher effect is obtainable.

The solvent used for the electrolytic solution contains one or more of nonaqueous solvents such as an organic solvent (other than the foregoing unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate).

Examples of the nonaqueous solvents include a cyclic ester carbonate, a chain ester carbonate, lactone, a chain carboxylic ester, and nitrile, since thereby a superior battery capacity, superior cycle characteristics, superior conservation characteristics, and the like are obtained. Examples of the cyclic ester carbonate include ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and butylene carbonate. Examples of the chain ester carbonate include dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, and methylpropyl carbonate. Examples of the lactone include γ-butyrolactone and γ-valerolactone. Examples of the carboxylic ester include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, methyl butyrate, methyl isobutyrate, methyl trimethylacetate, and ethyl trimethylacetate. Examples of the nitrile include acetonitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, and 3-methoxypropionitrile.

In addition thereto, the nonaqueous solvent may be 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, tetrahydropyran, 1,3-dioxolane, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, 1,3-dioxane, 1,4-dioxane, N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, N-methyloxazolidinone, N,N′-dimethylimidazolidinone, nitromethane, nitroethane, sulfolane, trimethyl phosphate, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Thereby, a superior battery capacity and the like are similarly obtained.

Specially, one or more of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate are preferable, since thereby a superior battery capacity, superior cycle characteristics, superior conservation characteristics, and the like are obtained. In this case, a combination of a high viscosity (high dielectric constant) solvent (for example, specific dielectric constant ∈≧30) such as ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate and a low viscosity solvent (for example, viscosity≦1 mPa·s) such as dimethyl carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate, and diethyl carbonate is more preferable. One reason for this is that the dissociation property of the electrolyte salt and ion mobility are improved.

In particular, the solvent preferably contains one or more of other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonates represented by Formula (4) and Formula (5) described below. One reason for this is that a stable protective film is formed mainly on the surface of the anode 34 at the time of charge and discharge, and therefore a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is suppressed. R11 and R12 may be the same type of group, or may be groups different from each other. Further, R13 to R16 may be the same type of group, or may be groups different from each other. Alternatively, part of R13 to R16 may be the same type of group. The content of other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the solvent is not particularly limited, and is, for example, from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % both inclusive. However, specific examples of other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate are not limited to the after-mentioned compounds, and other compounds corresponding to Formula (4) and Formula (5) may be used.

In Formula (4), each of R11 and R12 is one of a hydrogen group and an alkyl group.

In Formula (5), each of R13 to R16 is one of a hydrogen group, an alkyl group, a vinyl group, and an allyl group. One or more of R13 to R16 each are a vinyl group or an allyl group.

Other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (4) is a vinylene-carbonate-based compound. Each type of R11 and R12 is not particularly limited as long as each of R11 and R12 is one of a hydrogen group and an alkyl group. Examples of the alkyl group include a methyl group and an ethyl group, and the carbon number of the alkyl group is preferably from 1 to 12 both inclusive, since superior solubility and superior compatibility are thereby obtained. Specific examples of the vinylene-carbonate-based compounds include vinylene carbonate (1,3-dioxole-2-one), methylvinylene carbonate (4-methyl-1,3-dioxole-2-one), ethylvinylene carbonate (4-ethyl-1,3-dioxole-2-one), 4,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole-2-one, and 4,5-diethyl-1,3-dioxole-2-one. It is to be noted that each of R11 and R12 may be a group obtained by substituting each of part or all of hydrogen groups of the alkyl group by a halogen group. In this case, specific examples of the vinylene-carbonate-based compounds include 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxole-2-one and 4-trifluoromethyl-1,3-dioxole-2-one. Specially, vinylene carbonate is preferable, since vinylene carbonate is easily available and provides a high effect.

Other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (5) is a vinylethylene-carbonate-based compound. Each type of R13 to R16 is not particularly limited as long as each of R13 to R16 is one of a hydrogen group, an alkyl group, a vinyl group, and an allyl group, where one or more of R13 to R16 are each one of a vinyl group and an allyl group. The type and the carbon number of the alkyl group are similar to those of R11 and R12. Specific examples of the vinylethylene-carbonate-based compounds include vinylethylene carbonate (4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one), 4-methyl-4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 4-ethyl-4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 4-n-propyl-4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 5-methyl-4-vinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, 4,4-divinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, and 4,5-divinyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-one. Specially, vinylethylene carbonate is preferable, since vinylethylene carbonate is easily available, and provides a high effect. It is needless to say that all of R13 to R16 may be vinyl groups or allyl groups. Alternatively, some of R13 to R16 may be vinyl groups, and the others thereof may be allyl groups.

It is to be noted that other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate may be the compounds represented by Formula (4) and Formula (5), or may be catechol carbonate having a benzene ring.

Further, the solvent preferably contains one or more of halogenated ester carbonates represented by the following Formula (6) and Formula (7). One reason for this is that a stable protective film is formed mainly on the surface of the anode 34 at the time of charge and discharge, and therefore a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is suppressed. The halogenated ester carbonate represented by Formula (6) is a cyclic ester carbonate having one or more halogens as constituent elements (halogenated cyclic ester carbonate). The halogenated ester carbonate represented by Formula (7) is a chain ester carbonate having one or more halogens as constituent elements (halogenated chain ester carbonate). R18 to R21 may be the same type of group, or may be groups of types different from each other. Alternatively, part of R18 to R21 may be the same type of group. The same is applied to R22 to R27. Although the content of the halogenated ester carbonate in the solvent is not particularly limited, the content thereof is, for example, from 0.01 wt % to 50 wt % both inclusive. However, specific examples of the halogenated ester carbonate are not limited to the compounds described below, and other compounds corresponding to Formula (6) and Formula (7) may be used.

In Formula (6), each of R17 to R20 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, an alkyl group, and a halogenated alkyl group. One or more of R17 to R20 are each one of a halogen group and a halogenated alkyl group.

In Formula (7), each of R21 to R26 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, an alkyl group, and a halogenated alkyl group. One or more of R21 to R26 are each a halogen group or a halogenated alkyl group.

Although halogen type is not particularly limited, specially, fluorine (—F), chlorine (—Cl), or bromine (Br) is preferable, and fluorine is more preferable since thereby a higher effect is obtained compared to other halogens. However, the number of halogens is more preferably two than one, and further may be three or more. One reason for this is that, since thereby an ability of forming a protective film is improved and a more rigid and stable protective film is formed, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is thereby more suppressed.

Examples of the halogenated cyclic ester carbonate include compounds represented by the following Formula (6-1) to Formula (6-21). The halogenated cyclic ester carbonate includes a geometric isomer. Specially, 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one represented by Formula (6-1) or 4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one represented by Formula (6-3) is preferable, and the latter is more preferable. Further, as 4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one, a trans isomer is more preferable than a cis isomer, since the trans isomer is easily available and provides a high effect. Examples of the halogenated chain ester carbonate include fluoromethyl methyl carbonate, bis(fluoromethyl)carbonate, and difluoromethyl methyl carbonate.

Further, the solvent preferably contains sultone (cyclic sulfonic ester), since thereby the chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is more improved. Examples of sultone include propane sultone and propene sultone. Although the sultone content in the solvent is not particularly limited, for example, the sultone content is from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % both inclusive. Specific examples of sultone are not limited to the foregoing compounds, and may be other compounds.

Further, the solvent preferably contains an acid anhydride since the chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is thereby further improved. Examples of the acid anhydrides include a carboxylic anhydride, a disulfonic anhydride, and a carboxylic acid sulfonic acid anhydride. Examples of the carboxylic anhydride include a succinic anhydride, a glutaric anhydride, and a maleic anhydride. Examples of the disulfonic anhydride include an ethane disulfonic anhydride and a propane disulfonic anhydride. Examples of the carboxylic acid sulfonic acid anhydride include a sulfobenzoic anhydride, a sulfopropionic anhydride, and a sulfobutyric anhydride. Although the content of the acid anhydride in the solvent is not particularly limited, for example, the content thereof is from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt % both inclusive. However, specific examples of the acid anhydrides are not limited to the foregoing compounds, and other compound may be used.

The electrolyte salt used for the electrolytic solution may contain, for example, one or more of salts such as a lithium salt. However, the electrolyte salt may contain, for example, a salt other than the lithium salt (for example, a light metal salt other than the lithium salt).

Examples of the lithium salts include lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF₄), lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF₆), lithium tetraphenylborate (LiB(C₆H₅)₄), lithium methanesulfonate (LiCH₃SO₃), lithium trifluoromethane sulfonate (LiCF₃SO₃), lithium tetrachloroaluminate (LiAlCl₄), dilithium hexafluorosilicate (Li₂SiF₆), lithium chloride (LiCl), and lithium bromide (LiBr). Thereby, a superior battery capacity, superior cycle characteristics, superior conservation characteristics, and the like are obtained. However, specific examples of the lithium salt are not limited to the foregoing compounds, and may be other compounds.

Specially, one or more of LiPF₆, LiBF₄, LiClO₄, and LiAsF₆ are preferable, and LiPF₆ is more preferable, since the internal resistance is thereby lowered, and therefore, a higher effect is obtained.

In particular, the electrolyte salt preferably contains one or more of compounds represented by the following Formula (8) to Formula (10), since thereby, a higher effect is obtained. It is to be noted that R31 and R33 may be the same type of group, or may be groups of types different from each other. The same is applied to R41 to R43 and to R51 and R52. However, specific examples of the compounds represented by Formula (8) to Formula (10) are not limited to the after-mentioned compounds, and other compounds corresponding to Formula (8) to Formula (10) may be used.

In Formula (8), X31 is one of Group 1 elements, Group 2 elements in the long-period periodic table, and Al. M31 is one of transition metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements, and Group 15 elements in the long-period periodic table. R31 is a halogen group. Y31 is one of —C(═O)—R32-C(═O)—, —C(═O)—CR33₂—, and —C(═O)—C(═O)—. R32 is one of an alkylene group, a halogenated alkylene group, an arylene group, and a halogenated arylene group. R33 is one of an alkyl group, a halogenated alkyl group, an aryl group, and a halogenated aryl group. a3 is one of integer numbers 1 to 4 both inclusive. b3 is one of integer numbers 0, 2, and 4. Each of c3, d3, m3, and n3 is one of integer numbers 1 to 3 both inclusive.

In Formula (9), X41 is one of Group 1 elements and Group 2 elements in the long-period periodic table. M41 is one of transition metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements, and Group 15 elements in the long-period periodic table. Y41 is one of —C(═O)—(CR41₂)_(b4)-C(═O)—, —R43₂C—(CR42₂)_(c4)-C(═O)—, —R43₂C—(CR42₂)_(c4)-CR43₂-, —R43₂C—(CR42₂)_(c4)-S(═O)₂—, —S(═O)₂—(CR42₂)_(d4)-S(═O)₂—, and —C(═O)—(CR42₂)_(d4)-S(═O)₂—. Each of R41 and R43 is one of a hydrogen group, an alkyl group, a halogen group, and a halogenated alkyl group. One or more of R41 and R43 are each the halogen group or the halogenated alkyl group. R42 is one of a hydrogen group, an alkyl group, a halogen group, and a halogenated alkyl group. Each of a4, e4, and n4 is one of integer numbers 1 and 2. Each of b4 and d4 is one of integer numbers 1 to 4 both inclusive. c4 is one of integer numbers 0 to 4 both inclusive. Each of f4 and m4 is one of integer numbers 1 to 3 both inclusive.

In Formula (10), X51 is one of Group 1 elements and Group 2 elements in the long-period periodic table. M51 is one of transition metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements, and Group 15 elements in the long-period periodic table. Rf is one of a fluorinated alkyl group with carbon number from 1 to 10 both inclusive and a fluorinated aryl group with carbon number from 1 to 10 both inclusive. Y51 is one of —C(═O)—(CR51₂)_(d5)-C(═O)—, —R52₂C—(CR51₂)_(d5)-C(═O)—, —R52₂C—(CR51₂)_(d5)-CR52₂-, —R52₂C—(CR51₂)_(d5)-S(═O)₂—, —S(═O)₂—(CR51₂)_(e5)-S(═O)₂—, and —C(═O)—(CR51₂)_(e5)-S(═O)₂—. R51 is one of a hydrogen group, an alkyl group, a halogen group, and a halogenated alkyl group. R52 is one of a hydrogen group, an alkyl group, a halogen group, and a halogenated alkyl group, and one or more thereof each are a halogen group or a halogenated alkyl group. Each of a5, f5, and n5 is one of integer numbers 1 and 2. Each of b5, c5, and e5 is one of integer numbers 1 to 4 both inclusive. d5 is one of integer numbers 0 to 4 both inclusive. Each of g5 and m5 is one of integer numbers 1 to 3 both inclusive.

It is to be noted that Group 1 elements include H, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, and Fr. Group 2 elements include Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Ra. Group 13 elements include B, Al, Ga, In, and Tl. Group 14 elements include C, Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb. Group 15 elements include N, P, As, Sb, and Bi.

Examples of the compound represented by Formula (8) include compounds represented by Formula (8-1) to Formula (8-6). Examples of the compound represented by Formula (9) include compounds represented by Formula (9-1) to Formula (9-8). Examples of the compound represented by Formula (10) include a compound represented by Formula (10-1).

Further, the electrolyte salt preferably contains one or more of compounds represented by the following Formula (11) to Formula (13), since thereby, a higher effect is obtained. m and n may be the same value or values different from each other. The same is applied to p, q, and r. However, specific examples of the compounds represented by Formula (11) to Formula (13) are not limited to compounds described below and other compounds corresponding to Formula (11) to Formula (13) may be used. LiN(C_(m)F_(2m+1)SO₂)(C_(n)F_(2n+1)SO₂)  (11)

In Formula (11), each of m and n is an integer number equal to or greater than 1.

In Formula (12), R61 is a straight-chain or branched perfluoro alkylene group with carbon number from 2 to 4 both inclusive. LiC(C_(p)F_(2p+1)SO₂)(C_(q)F_(2q+1)SO₂)(C_(r)F_(2r+1)SO₂)  (13)

In Formula (13), each of p, q, and r is an integer number equal to or greater than 1.

The compound represented by Formula (11) is a chain imide compound. Examples thereof include lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂), lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(C₂F₅SO₂)₂), lithium (trifluoromethanesulfonyl)(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(CF₃SO₂)(C₂F₅SO₂)), lithium(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)(heptafluoropropanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(CF₃SO₂)(C₃F₇SO₂)), and lithium(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)(nonafluorobutanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(CF₃SO₂)(C₄F₉SO₂)).

The compound represented by Formula (12) is a cyclic imide compound. Examples thereof include compounds represented by Formula (12-1) to Formula (12-4).

The compound represented by Formula (13) is a chain methyde compound. Examples thereof include lithium tris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methyde (LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃).

Although the content of the electrolyte salt is not particularly limited, specially, the content thereof is preferably from 0.3 mol/kg to 3.0 mol/kg both inclusive with respect to the nonaqueous solvent, since thereby high ion conductivity is obtained.

[Operation of Secondary Battery]

In the secondary battery, for example, at the time of charge, lithium ions extracted from the cathode 33 are inserted in the anode 34 through the electrolyte layer 36. Further, at the time of discharge, lithium ions extracted from the anode 34 are inserted in the cathode 33 through the electrolyte layer 36.

[Method of Manufacturing Secondary Battery]

The secondary battery including the gel electrolyte layer 36 is manufactured, for example, by the following three types of procedures.

In the first procedure, first, the cathode 33 is formed. A cathode active material is mixed with a cathode binder, a cathode electric conductor, and/or the like as necessary to prepare a cathode mixture. Subsequently, the cathode mixture is dispersed in an organic solvent or the like to obtain a paste cathode mixture slurry. Subsequently, both surfaces of the cathode current collector 33A are coated with the cathode mixture slurry, which is dried to form the cathode active material layer 33B. Thereafter, the cathode active material layer 33B is compression-molded by using a roll pressing machine and/or the like while being heated as necessary. In this case, compression-molding may be repeated several times.

Further, the anode 34 is formed by a procedure similar to that of the cathode 33 described above. An anode active material is mixed with an anode binder, an anode electric conductor, and/or the like as necessary to prepare an anode mixture, which is subsequently dispersed in an organic solvent or the like to form a paste anode mixture slurry. Subsequently, both surfaces of the anode current collector 34A are coated with the anode mixture slurry, which is dried to form the anode active material layer 34B. Thereafter, the anode active material layer 34B is compression-molded as necessary.

Further, after an electrolyte salt is dispersed in a solvent, an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is added thereto to prepare an electrolytic solution.

Subsequently, a precursor solution containing an electrolytic solution, a polymer compound, and a solvent such as an organic solvent is prepared. Thereafter, the cathode 33 and the anode 34 are coated with the precursor solution to form the gel electrolyte layer 36. Subsequently, the cathode lead 31 is attached to the cathode current collector 33A by using a welding method and/or the like and the anode lead 32 is attached to the anode current collector 34A by using a welding method and/or the like. Subsequently, the cathode 33 and the anode 34 provided with the electrolyte layer 36 are layered with the separator 35 in between and are spirally wound to form the spirally wound electrode body 30. Thereafter, the protective tape 37 is adhered to the outermost periphery thereof. Subsequently, after the spirally wound electrode body 30 is sandwiched between two pieces of film-like outer package members 40, the outer edges of the outer package members 40 are bonded by a thermal fusion bonding method and/or the like to enclose the spirally wound electrode body 30 into the outer package members 40. In this case, the adhesive films 41 are inserted between the cathode lead 31 and the anode lead 32, and the outer package member 40.

In the second procedure, the cathode lead 31 is attached to the cathode 33, and the anode lead 32 is attached to the anode 34. Subsequently, the cathode 33 and the anode 34 are layered with the separator 35 in between and are spirally wound to form a spirally wound body as a precursor of the spirally wound electrode body 30. Thereafter, the protective tape 37 is adhered to the outermost periphery thereof. Subsequently, after the spirally wound body is sandwiched between two pieces of the film-like outer package members 40, the outermost peripheries except for one side are bonded by using a thermal fusion bonding method and/or the like to obtain a pouched state, and the spirally wound body is contained in the pouch-like outer package member 40. Subsequently, a composition for electrolyte containing an electrolytic solution, a monomer as a raw material for the polymer compound, a polymerization initiator, and other materials such as a polymerization inhibitor as necessary is prepared, which is injected into the pouch-like outer package member 40. Thereafter, the outer package member 40 is hermetically sealed by using a thermal fusion bonding method and/or the like. Subsequently, the monomer is thermally polymerized. Thereby, a polymer compound is formed, and therefore the gel electrolyte layer 36 is formed.

In the third procedure, the spirally wound body is formed and contained in the pouch-like outer package member 40 in a manner similar to that of the foregoing second procedure, except that the separator 35 with both surfaces coated with a polymer compound is used. Examples of the polymer compound with which the separator 35 is coated include a polymer (a homopolymer, a copolymer, or a multicomponent copolymer) containing vinylidene fluoride as a component. Specific examples thereof include polyvinylidene fluoride, a binary copolymer containing vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoro propylene as components, and a ternary copolymer containing vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoro propylene, and chlorotrifluoroethylene as components. In addition to the polymer containing vinylidene fluoride as a component, other one or more polymer compounds may be used. Subsequently, an electrolytic solution is prepared and injected into the outer package member 40. Thereafter, the opening of the outer package member 40 is hermetically sealed by using a thermal fusion bonding method and/or the like. Subsequently, the resultant is heated while a weight is applied to the outer package member 40, and the separator 35 is adhered to the cathode 33 and the anode 34 with the polymer compound in between. Thereby, the polymer compound is impregnated with the electrolytic solution, and accordingly the polymer compound is gelated to form the electrolyte layer 36.

In the third procedure, swollenness of the secondary battery is suppressed more than in the first procedure. Further, in the third procedure, the monomer as a raw material of the polymer compound, the solvent, and the like are less likely to be left in the electrolyte layer 36 compared to in the second procedure. Therefore, the formation step of the polymer compound is favorably controlled. Therefore, sufficient adhesion characteristics are obtained between the cathode 33, the anode 34, and the separator 35, and the electrolyte layer 36.

[Function and Effect of Secondary Battery]

According to the secondary battery, the electrolyte layer 36 as a gel electrolyte that contains the electrolytic solution and the polymer compound is included, and the electrolytic solution contains the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate. In this case, as described above, the chemical stability of the electrolytic solution is specifically improved, and therefore, a decomposition reaction of the electrolytic solution is effectively suppressed. Therefore, even if the secondary battery is charged, discharged, or stored, the electrolytic solution is less likely to be decomposed, and accordingly superior battery characteristics are obtainable.

In particular, in the case where the content of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the electrolytic solution is from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % both inclusive, higher effects are obtainable. Further, in the case where the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is one of the compounds represented by Formula (1-1) to Formula (1-56), in particular, is one of the compounds represented by Formula (2) and Formula (3), higher effects are obtainable.

[2. Applications of Secondary Battery]

Next, a description will be given of application examples of the foregoing secondary battery.

Applications of the secondary battery are not particularly limited as long as the secondary battery is used for a machine, a device, an instrument, an apparatus, a system (collective entity of a plurality of devices and the like), or the like that is allowed to use the secondary battery as a driving electric power source, an electric power storage source for electric power storage, or the like. The secondary battery used as an electric power source may be used as a main electric power source (electric power source used preferentially), or an auxiliary electric power source (electric power source used instead of a main electric power source or used being switched from the main electric power source). In the latter case, the main electric power source type is not limited to the secondary battery.

Examples of applications of the secondary battery include mobile electronic apparatuses such as a video camcorder, a digital still camera, a mobile phone, a notebook personal computer, a cordless phone, a headphone stereo, a portable radio, a portable television, and a personal digital assistant. Further examples thereof include a mobile lifestyle electric appliance such as an electric shaver; a memory device such as a backup electric power source and a memory card; an electric power tool such as an electric drill and an electric saw; a battery pack used as an electric power source of a notebook personal computer or the like; a medical electronic apparatus such as a pacemaker and a hearing aid; an electric vehicle such as an electric automobile (including a hybrid automobile); and an electric power storage system such as a home battery system for storing electric power for emergency or the like. It is needless to say that an application other than the foregoing applications may be adopted.

Specially, the secondary battery is effectively applicable to the battery pack, the electric vehicle, the electric power storage system, the electric power tool, the electronic apparatus, or the like. In these applications, since superior battery characteristics are demanded, the characteristics are allowed to be effectively improved by using the secondary battery according to the embodiment of the present application. It is to be noted that the battery pack is an electric power source using a secondary battery, and is what we call an assembled battery or the like. The electric vehicle is a vehicle that works (runs) by using a secondary battery as a driving electric power source. As described above, an automobile including a drive source other than a secondary battery (such as hybrid automobile) may be included. The electric power storage system is a system using a secondary battery as an electric power storage source. For example, in a home electric power storage system, electric power is stored in the secondary battery as an electric power storage source, and the electric power is consumed as necessary. Thereby, home electric products and the like become usable. The electric power tool is a tool in which a movable section (such as a drill) is moved by using a secondary battery as a driving electric power source. The electronic apparatus is an apparatus executing various functions by using a secondary battery as a driving electric power source (electric power supply source).

A description will be specifically given of some application examples of the secondary battery. The configurations of the respective application examples explained below are merely examples, and may be changed as appropriate.

[2-1. Battery Pack]

FIG. 3 illustrates a block configuration of a battery pack. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the battery pack includes a control section 61, an electric power source 62, a switch section 63, a current measurement section 64, a temperature detection section 65, a voltage detection section 66, a switch control section 67, a memory 68, a temperature detection device 69, a current detection resistance 70, a cathode terminal 71, and an anode terminal 72 in a housing 60 made of a plastic material and/or the like.

The control section 61 controls operation of the whole battery pack (including a used state of the electric power source 62), and includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and/or the like. The electric power source 62 includes one or more secondary batteries (not illustrated). The electric power source 62 is, for example, an assembled battery including two or more secondary batteries. Connection type thereof may be a series-connected type, a parallel-connected type, or a mixed type thereof. As an example, the electric power source 62 includes six secondary batteries connected in a manner of dual-parallel and three-series.

The switch section 63 switches the used state of the electric power source 62 (whether or not the electric power source 62 is connected to an external device) according to an instruction of the control section 61. The switch section 63 includes, for example, a charge control switch, a discharge control switch, a charging diode, a discharging diode, and the like (not illustrated). The charge control switch and the discharge control switch are, for example, semiconductor switches such as a field-effect transistor (MOSFET) using metal oxide semiconductor.

The current measurement section 64 measures a current by using the current detection resistance 70, and outputs the measurement result to the control section 61. The temperature detection section 65 measures temperature by using the temperature detection device 69, and outputs the measurement result to the control section 61. The temperature measurement result is used for, for example, a case in which the control section 61 controls charge and discharge at the time of abnormal heat generation or a case in which the control section 61 performs a correction processing at the time of calculating a remaining capacity. The voltage detection section 66 measures a voltage of the secondary battery in the electric power source 62, performs analog-to-digital conversion (A/D conversion) on the measured voltage, and supplies the resultant to the control section 61.

The switch control section 67 controls operation of the switch section 63 according to signals inputted from the current measurement section 64 and the voltage measurement section 66.

The switch control section 67 executes control so that a charge current is prevented from flowing in a current path of the electric power source 62 by disconnecting the switch section 63 (charge control switch) in the case where, for example, a battery voltage reaches an overcharge detection voltage. Thereby, in the electric power source 62, only discharge is allowed to be performed through the discharging diode. It is to be noted that, for example, in the case where a large current flows at the time of charge, the switch control section 67 blocks the charge current.

Further, the switch control section 67 executes control so that a discharge current is prevented from flowing in the current path of the electric power source 62 by disconnecting the switch section 63 (discharge control switch) in the case where, for example, a battery voltage reaches an over-discharge detection voltage. Thereby, in the electric power source 62, only charge is allowed to be performed through the charging diode. For example, in the case where a large current flows at the time of discharge, the switch control section 67 blocks the discharge current.

It is to be noted that, in the secondary battery, for example, the overcharge detection voltage is 4.2 V±0.05 V, and the over-discharge detection voltage is 2.4 V±0.1 V.

The memory 68 is, for example, an EEPROM as a nonvolatile memory or the like. The memory 68 stores, for example, numerical values calculated by the control section 61 and information of the secondary battery measured in a manufacturing step (for example, an internal resistance in the initial state or the like). It is to be noted that, in the case where the memory 68 stores a full charge capacity of the secondary battery, the control section 10 is allowed to comprehend information such as a remaining capacity.

The temperature detection device 69 measures temperature of the electric power source 62, and outputs the measurement result to the control section 61. The temperature detection device 69 is, for example, a thermistor or the like.

The cathode terminal 71 and the anode terminal 72 are terminals connected to an external device (such as a notebook personal computer) driven by using the battery pack or to an external device (such as a battery charger) used for charging the battery pack. The electric power source 62 is charged and discharged through the cathode terminal 71 and the anode terminal 72.

[2-2. Electric Vehicle]

FIG. 4 illustrates a block configuration of a hybrid automobile as an example of electric vehicles. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the electric vehicle includes a control section 74, an engine 75, an electric power source 76, a driving motor 77, a differential 78, an electric generator 79, a transmission 80, a clutch 81, inverters 82 and 83, and various sensors 84 in a body 73 made of a metal. In addition thereto, the electric vehicle includes, for example, a front drive shaft 85 and a front tire 86 that are connected to the differential 78 and the transmission 80, a rear drive shaft 87, and a rear tire 88.

The electric vehicle is runnable by using one of the engine 75 and the motor 77 as a drive source. The engine 75 is a main power source, and is, for example, a petrol engine. In the case where the engine 75 is used as a power source, drive power (torque) of the engine 75 is transferred to the front tire 86 or the rear tire 88 through the differential 78, the transmission 80, and the clutch 81 as drive sections, for example. The torque of the engine 75 is also transferred to the electric generator 79. Due to the torque, the electric generator 79 generates alternating-current electric power. The alternating-current electric power is converted to direct-current electric power through the inverter 83, and the converted power is stored in the electric power source 76. Meanwhile, in the case where the motor 77 as a conversion section is used as a power source, electric power (direct-current electric power) supplied from the electric power source 76 is converted to alternating-current electric power through the inverter 82. The motor 77 is driven by the alternating-current electric power. Drive power (torque) obtained by converting the electric power by the motor 77 is transferred to the front tire 86 or the rear tire 88 through the differential 78, the transmission 80, and the clutch 81 as the drive sections, for example.

It is to be noted that, alternatively, the following mechanism may be adopted. In the mechanism, in the case where speed of the electric vehicle is reduced by an unillustrated brake mechanism, the resistance at the time of speed reduction is transferred to the motor 77 as torque, and the motor 77 generates alternating-current electric power by the torque. It is preferable that the alternating-current electric power be converted to direct-current electric power through the inverter 82, and the direct-current regenerative electric power be stored in the electric power source 76.

The control section 74 controls operation of the whole electric vehicle, and, for example, includes a CPU and/or the like. The electric power source 76 includes one or more secondary batteries (not illustrated). Alternatively, the electric power source 76 may be connected to an external electric power source, and electric power may be stored by receiving the electric power from the external electric power source. The various sensors 84 are used, for example, for controlling the number of revolutions of the engine 75 or for controlling opening level of an unillustrated throttle valve (throttle opening level). The various sensors 84 include, for example, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an engine frequency sensor, and/or the like.

The description has been hereinbefore given of the hybrid automobile as an electric vehicle. However, examples of the electric vehicles may include a vehicle (electric automobile) working by using only the electric power source 76 and the motor 77 without using the engine 75.

[2-3. Electric Power Storage System]

FIG. 5 illustrates a block configuration of an electric power storage system. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the electric power storage system includes a control section 90, an electric power source 91, a smart meter 92, and a power hub 93 inside a house 89 such as a general residence and a commercial building.

In this case, the electric power source 91 is connected to, for example, an electric device 94 arranged inside the house 89, and is connectable to an electric vehicle 96 parked outside the house 89. Further, for example, the electric power source 91 is connected to a private power generator 95 arranged inside the house 89 through the power hub 93, and is connectable to an external concentrating electric power system 97 thorough the smart meter 92 and the power hub 93.

It is to be noted that the electric device 94 includes, for example, one or more home electric appliances such as a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a television, and a water heater. The private power generator 95 is, for example, one or more of a solar power generator, a wind-power generator, and the like. The electric vehicle 96 is, for example, one or more of an electric automobile, an electric motorcycle, a hybrid automobile, and the like. The concentrating electric power system 97 is, for example, one or more of a thermal power plant, an atomic power plant, a hydraulic power plant, a wind-power plant, and the like.

The control section 90 controls operation of the whole electric power storage system (including a used state of the electric power source 91), and, for example, includes a CPU and/or the like. The electric power source 91 includes one or more secondary batteries (not illustrated). The smart meter 92 is, for example, an electric power meter compatible with a network arranged in the house 89 demanding electric power, and is communicable with an electric power supplier. Accordingly, for example, while the smart meter 92 communicates with external as necessary, the smart meter 92 controls the balance between supply and demand in the house 89 and allows effective and stable energy supply.

In the electric power storage system, for example, electric power is stored in the electric power source 91 from the concentrating electric power system 97 as an external electric power source through the smart meter 92 and the power hub 93, and electric power is stored in the electric power source 91 from the private power generator 95 as an independent electric power source through the power hub 93. As necessary, the electric power stored in the electric power source 91 is supplied to the electric device 94 or the electric vehicle 96 according to an instruction of the control section 90. Therefore, the electric device 94 becomes operable, and the electric vehicle 96 becomes chargeable. That is, the electric power storage system is a system capable of storing and supplying electric power in the house 89 by using the electric power source 91.

The electric power stored in the electric power source 91 is arbitrarily usable. Therefore, for example, electric power is allowed to be stored in the electric power source 91 from the concentrating electric power system 97 in the middle of the night when an electric rate is inexpensive, and the electric power stored in the electric power source 91 is allowed to be used during daytime hours when an electric rate is expensive.

It is to be noted that the foregoing electric power storage system may be arranged for each household (family unit), or may be arranged for a plurality of households (family units).

[2-4. Electric Power Tool]

FIG. 6 illustrates a block configuration of an electric power tool. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the electric power tool is an electric drill, and includes a control section 99 and an electric power source 100 in a tool body 98 made of a plastic material and/or the like. For example, a drill section 101 as a movable section is attached to the tool body 98 in an operable (rotatable) manner.

The control section 99 controls operation of the whole electric power tool (including a used state of the electric power source 100), and includes, for example, a CPU and/or the like. The electric power source 100 includes one or more secondary batteries (not illustrated). The control section 99 executes control so that electric power is supplied from the electric power source 100 to the drill section 101 as necessary according to operation of an unillustrated operation switch to operate the drill section 101.

EXAMPLES

Specific Examples according to the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail.

Examples 1-1 to 1-14

The laminated film type lithium ion secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 was fabricated by the following procedure.

In fabricating the cathode 33, first, lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) and cobalt carbonate (CoCO₃) were mixed at a molar ratio of Li₂CO₃:CoCO₃=0.5:1. Subsequently, the mixture was fired in the air (at 900° C. for 5 hours). Thereby, lithium-cobalt composite oxide (LiCoO₂) was obtained. Subsequently, 91 parts by mass of a cathode active material (LiCoO₂), 6 parts by mass of a cathode electric conductor (graphite), and 3 parts by mass of a cathode binder (polyvinylidene fluoride: PVDF) were mixed to obtain a cathode mixture. Subsequently, the cathode mixture was dispersed in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to obtain a paste cathode mixture slurry. Subsequently, both surfaces of the cathode current collector 33A in the shape of a strip (Al foil being 20 μm thick) were coated with the cathode mixture slurry uniformly by using a coating device, which was dried to form the cathode active material layer 33B. Finally, the cathode active material layer 33B was compression-molded by using a roll pressing machine. In forming the cathode 33, the thickness of the cathode active material layer 33B was adjusted so that lithium metal was not precipitated on the anode 34 at the time of full charge.

In fabricating the anode 34, first, 90 parts by mass of an anode active material (artificial graphite) and 10 parts by mass of an anode binder (PVDF) were mixed to obtain an anode mixture. Subsequently, the anode mixture was dispersed in NMP to obtain paste anode mixture slurry. Subsequently, both surfaces of the anode current collector 34A in the shape of a strip (electrolytic Cu foil being 15 μm thick) were coated with the anode mixture slurry uniformly by using a coating device, which was dried to form the anode active material layer 34B. Finally, the anode active material layer 34B was compression-molded by using a roll pressing machine.

In preparing an electrolytic solution, an electrolyte salt (LiPF₆) was dissolved in a solvent (ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)). In this case, the mixture ratio (weight ratio) of the solvent was EC:EMC=50:50, and the content of the electrolyte salt with respect to the solvent was 1 mol/kg.

In assembling the secondary battery, first, the cathode lead 31 made of Al was welded to one end of the cathode current collector 33A, and the anode lead 32 made of Ni was welded to one end of the anode current collector 34A. Subsequently, the cathode 33, the separator 35, the anode 34, and the separator 35 were layered in this order and were spirally wound in the longitudinal direction. After that, the winding end portion was fixed by using the protective tape 37 made of an adhesive tape to form a spirally wound body as a precursor of the spirally wound electrode body 30. In the separator 35, a polymer compound (PVDF) was formed on both surfaces of a base material layer. The base material layer had a three-layer structure (thickness: 23 μm) in which a film made of porous polyethylene as a main component was sandwiched between films made of porous polypropylene as a main component. Subsequently, the spirally wound body was sandwiched between the outer package members 40. After that, the outermost peripheries except for one side were thermally bonded, and the spirally wound body was contained in the pouch-like outer package member 40. The outer package member 40 was a laminated film (total thickness: 100 μm) having a three-layer structure in which a nylon film (thickness: 30 μm), an Al foil (thickness: 40 μm), and a non-stretched polypropylene film (thickness: 30 μm) were layered in this order from the outside. Subsequently, an electrolytic solution was injected through an opening of the outer package member 40, the polymer compound layer was impregnated with the electrolytic solution, and thereby the electrolyte layer 36 as a gel electrolyte was formed. Accordingly, the cathode 33 and the anode 34 were layered with the separator 35 and the electrolyte layer 36 in between and were spirally wound, and therefore the spirally wound electrode body 30 was formed. Thereby, the laminated film type secondary battery was completed.

In fabricating the secondary batteries, for comparison, instead of the gel electrolyte (electrolyte layer 36), a liquid electrolyte (electrolytic solution) was used as it is, and the separator 35 was impregnated with the electrolytic solution.

Battery characteristics (cycle characteristics and load characteristics) of the secondary battery were examined. Results illustrated in Table 1 were obtained.

In examining the cycle characteristics, one cycle of charge and discharge was performed on the secondary battery in the ambient temperature environment (23° C.) to stabilize the battery state. After that, another one cycle of charge and discharge was performed on the secondary battery in the same environment, and a discharge capacity was measured. Subsequently, the secondary battery was repeatedly charged and discharged until the total number of cycles reached 100 in the high-temperature environment (40° C.), and a discharge capacity was measured. From these results, cycle retention ratio (%)=(discharge capacity at the 100th cycle/discharge capacity at the second cycle)×100 was calculated. At the time of charge, charge was performed at a current of 0.2 C until the voltage reached the upper limit voltage of 4.2 V, and further charge was performed at a constant voltage until the current reached 0.05 C. At the time of discharge, constant current discharge was performed at a current of 0.2 C until the voltage reached the final voltage of 2.5 V. “0.2 C” and “0.05 C” are current values at which the battery capacity (theoretical capacity) is fully discharged in 5 hours and 20 hours, respectively.

In examining the load characteristics, a secondary battery with its battery state stabilized by a procedure similar to that in the case of examining the cycle characteristics was used. One cycle of charge and discharge was performed on the secondary battery in the ambient temperature environment (23° C.), and a discharge capacity was measured. Subsequently, the secondary battery was repeatedly charged and discharged until the total number of cycles reached 100 in a low-temperature environment (−10° C.), and a discharge capacity was measured. From these results, load retention ratio (%)=(discharge capacity at the 100th cycle/discharge capacity at the second cycle)×100 was calculated. The charge conditions were similar to those in the case of examining the high-temperature cycle characteristics. At the time of discharge, constant current discharge was performed at a current of 1 C until the voltage reached the final voltage of 2.5 V. “1 C” is a current value at which the battery capacity is fully discharged in 1 hour.

TABLE 1 Unsaturated cyclic ester Cycle Load carbonate retention retention Polymer Electrolyte Content ratio ratio Example State compound salt Solvent Type (wt %) (%) (%) 1-1 Gel PVDF LiPF₆ EC + EMC Formula 0.01 61 71 1-2 (1-1) 0.1 65 73 1-3 0.5 68 76 1-4 1 75 80 1-5 2 80 78 1-6 5 79 73 1-7 10 60 70 1-8 Formula 2 78 73 (1-4) 1-9 Formula 2 76 75 (1-16) 1-10 Formula 2 77 74 (1-18) 1-11 Formula 2 78 75 (1-32) 1-12 — — 58 70 1-13 Liquid — LiPF₆ EC + EMC — — 20 85 1-14 Formula 2 18 85 (1-1)

In the case where the liquid electrolyte (electrolytic solution) was used, the load retention ratios were retained while the cycle retention ratios were decreased according to presence of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the electrolytic solution. Meanwhile, in the case where the gel electrolyte (electrolyte layer 36) was used, both the cycle retention ratios and the load retention ratios were improved according to presence of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate. The foregoing results show the following. The function of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate with respect to the cycle retention ratio and the load retention ratio is a specific and advantageous function. That is, such a function is not obtained in the case where a liquid electrolyte is used, but is obtained in the case where a gel electrolyte is used.

In particular, in the case where the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate was used, if the content thereof was from 0.01 wt % to 10 wt % both inclusive, and more specifically from 0.1 wt % to 5 wt % both inclusive, higher cycle retention ratios and higher load retention ratios were obtained.

Examples 2-1 to 2-7

Secondary batteries were fabricated by a procedure similar to that of Example 1-5, except that the composition of the solvent was changed as illustrated in Table 2, and the respective characteristics were examined. In this case, the following solvents were newly used. That is, vinylene carbonate (VC) as other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate, 4-fluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one (FEC), trans-4,5-difluoro-1,3-dioxolane-2-one (t-DFEC), and bis(fluoromethyl)carbonate (DFDMC) as halogenated ester carbonates, propene sultone (PRS) as sultone, succinic anhydride (SCAH) and sulfopropionic anhydride (PSAH) as acid anhydrides were used. The content of VC in the solvent was 2 wt %, the content of FEC, t-DFEC, or DFDMC in the solvent was 5 wt %, and the content of PRS, SCAH, or PSAH in the solvent was 1 wt %.

TABLE 2 Unsaturated cyclic Cycle Load ester carbonate retention retention Polymer Electrolyte Content ratio ratio Example State compound salt Solvent Type (wt %) (%) (%) 2-1 Gel PVDF LiPF₆ EC + EMC VC Formula 2 90 78 2-2 FEC (1-1) 88 78 2-3 t-DFEC 85 78 2-4 DFDMC 86 78 2-5 PRS 90 82 2-6 SCAH 90 75 2-7 PSAH 92 85

Even if the composition of the solvent was changed, a high cycle retention ratio and a high load retention ratio were obtained. In particular, in the case where the electrolytic solution contained other unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate, the halogenated ester carbonate, the sultone, or the acid anhydride, one or both of the cycle retention ratio and the load retention ratio were more increased.

Examples 3-1 to 3-3

Secondary batteries were fabricated by a procedure similar to that of Example 1-5 except that the composition of the electrolyte salt was changed as illustrated in Table 3, and the respective characteristics were examined. As an electrolyte salt combined with LiPF₆, lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF₄), bis[oxalato-O,O′] lithium borate (LiBOB) represented by Formula (8-6), or bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide lithium (LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂: LiTFSI) was used. In this case, the content of LiPF₆ was 0.9 mol/kg with respect to the solvent, and the content of LiBF₄ or the like was 0.1 mol/kg with respect to the solvent.

TABLE 3 Unsaturated cyclic Cycle Load ester carbonate retention retention Polymer Content ratio ratio Example State compound Electrolyte salt Solvent Type (wt %) (%) (%) 3-1 Gel PVDF LiPF₆ LiBF₄ EC + EMC Formula 2 85 78 3-2 LiBOB (1-1) 88 75 3-3 LiTFSI 88 80

Even if the composition of the electrolyte salt was changed, a high cycle retention ratio and a high load retention ratio were obtained. In particular, in the case where the electrolytic solution contained other electrolyte salt such as LiBF₄, the cycle retention ratio and the load retention ratio were more increased.

The present application has been described with reference to the embodiment and Examples. However, the present application is not limited to the examples described in the embodiment and Examples, and various modifications may be made. For example, the description has been given of the lithium ion secondary battery as a secondary battery type. However, applicable secondary battery type is not limited thereto. The secondary battery of the present application is similarly applicable to a secondary battery in which the anode capacity includes a capacity by inserting and extracting lithium ions and a capacity associated with precipitation and dissolution of lithium metal, and the battery capacity is expressed by the sum of these capacities. In this case, an anode material capable of inserting and extracting lithium ions is used as an anode active material, and the chargeable capacity of the anode material is set to a smaller value than the discharge capacity of the cathode.

Further, the description has been given with the specific example of the case in which the battery structure is the laminated film type, and the battery device has the spirally wound structure. However, applicable structures are not limited thereto. The secondary battery of the present application is similarly applicable to a battery having other battery structure such as a cylindrical type battery, a square type battery, a coin type battery, and a button type battery or a battery in which the battery device has other structure such as a laminated structure.

Further, the description has been given of the case using Li as an electrode reactant. However, the electrode reactant is not necessarily limited thereto. As an electrode reactant, for example, other Group 1 element such as Na and K, a Group 2 element such as Mg and Ca, or other light metals such as Al may be used. The effect of the present application may be obtained without depending on the electrode reactant type, and therefore, even if the electrode reactant type is changed, a similar effect is obtainable.

Further, with regard to the content of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate, the description has been given of the appropriate range derived from the results of Examples. However, the description does not totally deny a possibility that the content is out of the foregoing range. That is, the foregoing appropriate range is the range particularly preferable for obtaining the effects of the present application. Therefore, as long as the effects of the present application are obtained, the content may be out of the foregoing range in some degrees.

It is possible to achieve at least the following configurations from the above-described exemplary embodiment and the modifications of the disclosure.

(1) A secondary battery including:

a cathode;

an anode; and

a gel electrolyte, wherein

the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound, and

the electrolytic solution includes an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by the following Formula (1),

where X is a divalent group in which m number of >C═CR1-R2 and n number of >CR3R4 are bonded in any order; each of R1 to R4 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; any two or more of the R1 to the R4 are allowed to be bonded to one another; and m and n satisfy m≧1 and n≧0. (2) The secondary battery according to (1), wherein

the halogen group is one of a fluorine group, a chlorine group, a bromine group, and an iodine group, and

the monovalent hydrocarbon group, the monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, the monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and the monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group with carbon number from 1 to 12 both inclusive, an alkenyl group with carbon number from 2 to 12 both inclusive, an alkynyl group with carbon number from 2 to 12 both inclusive, an aryl group with carbon number from 6 to 18 both inclusive, a cycloalkyl group with carbon number from 3 to 18 both inclusive, an alkoxy group with carbon number from 1 to 12 both inclusive, a group obtained by bonding two or more thereof, and a group obtained by substituting each of part or all of hydrogen groups thereof by a halogen group.

(3) The secondary battery according to (1) or (2), wherein the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is represented by one of the following Formula (2) and Formula (3),

where each of R5 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; the R5 and the R6 may be bonded to each other; and any two or more of the R7 to the R10 may be bonded to one another. (4) The secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is represented by one of the following Formula (1-1) to Formula (1-56),

(5) The secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein a content of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate in the electrolytic solution is from about 0.01 weight percent to about 10 weight percent both inclusive. (6) The secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the secondary battery is a lithium ion secondary battery. (7) A battery pack including:

the secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (6);

a control section controlling a used state of the secondary battery; and

a switch section switching the used state of the secondary battery according to an instruction of the control section.

(8) An electric vehicle including:

the secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (6);

a conversion section converting electric power supplied from the secondary battery into drive power;

a drive section operating according to the drive power; and

a control section controlling a used state of the secondary battery.

(9) An electric power storage system including:

the secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (6);

one or more electric devices supplied with electric power from the secondary battery; and

a control section controlling the supplying of the electric power from the secondary battery to the one or more electric devices.

(10) An electric power tool including:

the secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (6); and

a movable section being supplied with electric power from the secondary battery.

(11) An electronic apparatus including

the secondary battery according to any one of (1) to (6) as an electric power supply source.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A secondary battery comprising: a cathode; an anode; and a gel electrolyte, wherein the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer, and the electrolytic solution includes 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent of an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (3),

where each of R7 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; and any two or more of the R7 to the R10 may be bonded to one another.
 2. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the halogen group is one of a fluorine group, a chlorine group, a bromine group, and an iodine group, and the monovalent hydrocarbon group, the monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, the monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and the monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group with carbon number from 1 to 12 both inclusive, an alkenyl group with carbon number from 2 to 12 both inclusive, an alkynyl group with carbon number from 2 to 12 both inclusive, an aryl group with carbon number from 6 to 18 both inclusive, a cycloalkyl group with carbon number from 3 to 18 both inclusive, an alkoxy group with carbon number from 1 to 12 both inclusive, a group obtained by bonding two or more thereof, and a group obtained by substituting each of part or all of hydrogen groups thereof by a halogen group.
 3. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate is represented by one of the following Formula (1-32) to Formula (1-56),


4. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the secondary battery is a lithium ion secondary battery.
 5. A battery pack comprising: a secondary battery; a control section controlling a used state of the secondary battery; and a switch section switching the used state of the secondary battery according to an instruction of the control section, wherein the secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte, the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound, and

the electrolytic solution includes 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent of an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (3),

where each of R7 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; and any two or more of the R7 to the R10 may be bonded to one another.
 6. An electric vehicle comprising: a secondary battery; a conversion section converting electric power supplied from the secondary battery into drive power; a drive section operating according to the drive power; and a control section controlling a used state of the secondary battery, wherein the secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte, the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound, and

the electrolytic solution includes 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent of an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (3),

where each of R7 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; and any two or more of the R7 to the R10 may be bonded to one another.
 7. An electric power storage system comprising: a secondary battery; one or more electric devices supplied with electric power from the secondary battery; and a control section controlling the supplying of the electric power from the secondary battery to the one or more electric devices, wherein the secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte, the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound, and

the electrolytic solution includes 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent of an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (3),

where each of R7 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; and any two or more of the R7 to the R10 may be bonded to one another.
 8. An electric power tool comprising: a secondary battery; and a movable section being supplied with electric power from the secondary battery, wherein the secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and a gel electrolyte, the gel electrolyte includes an electrolytic solution and a polymer compound, and

the electrolytic solution includes 0.1 weight percent to 5 weight percent of an unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate represented by Formula (3),

where each of R7 to R10 is one of a hydrogen group, a halogen group, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, a monovalent halogenated hydrocarbon group, a monovalent oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, and a monovalent halogenated oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group; and any two or more of the R7 to the R10 may be bonded to one another.
 9. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride and a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoro propylene.
 10. The secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein the polymer is polyvinylidene fluoride.
 11. The secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the electrolytic solution consists of the unsaturated cyclic ester carbonate and at least one of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and ethyl methyl carbonate. 